Business Setup in Ras Al Khaimah Mainland
Choose Your Business License
In RAK Mainland, you’ll have the option of choosing between one of several license types:
General Trading License
Ideal for businesses engaged in buying and selling a wide range of products. This license permits trading activities within Ras Al Khaimah Mainland, allowing businesses to import, export, and distribute goods.
Professional License
Suited for individuals or groups offering specialized services such as consultancy, legal, accounting, or healthcare services. This license enables professionals to provide expertise within Ras Al Khaimah Mainland while adhering to specific regulations.
Industrial License
Designed for businesses involved in manufacturing, processing, or assembling goods. This license allows industrial enterprises to operate within Ras Al Khaimah Mainland, facilitating the production and distribution of goods.
Required Documents and Steps to Obtain Your Business License
Obtaining your business license in RAK Mainland has been designed to be an easy, hassle-free process. Here are the steps you’ll need to follow in order to obtain your business license:
- Copies of passports and visas for all shareholders
- Copies of passports and visas for all directors
- Copies of passports and visas for all managers
- A No Objection Certificate if the shareholders are residents
- Plan your business activity and corporate structure
- Get an office space for your business operations
- Obtain initial approval and gather necessary documents
- Submit applications and pay required fees for obtaining license
Business Entities Permitted in RAK Mainland
When you start your RAK Mainland business, you’ll have the choice between several legal structures
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Limited Liability Company (LLC)
An LLC is one of the most common legal structures in RAK Mainland. It offers limited liability to its owners (shareholders) while allowing flexibility in management and operations. -
Joint Venture Company
A Joint Venture Company involves two or more parties coming together to undertake a specific business project or activity. Each party shares the risks, costs, and profits according to their agreed-upon terms. -
Public/Private Shareholding Company
These companies are formed by shareholders who contribute capital and share ownership through shares. Public Shareholding Companies can offer shares to the public, while Private Shareholding Companies limit share ownership to a select group of investors. -
Free Zone Company
While typically associated with free zones, RAK Mainland also allows the establishment of Free Zone Companies, which can operate within the mainland jurisdiction while enjoying certain benefits such as 100% foreign ownership and tax benefits. -
Free Zone Establishment
Similar to Free Zone Companies, Free Zone Establishments can operate within the mainland jurisdiction but are subject to the regulations of the relevant free zone authority. -
International Business Company (IBC)
An IBC is designed for conducting international business outside the UAE while having its headquarters and management in RAK Mainland. It offers advantages such as tax exemptions and confidentiality.
Business Activities in RAK Mainland
In Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) Mainland, businesses can engage in a wide range of activities across various sectors. Some common types of business activities permitted in RAK Mainland include:
- Trading
- Manufacturing
- Retail
- Construction
- Hospitality
- Healthcare
- Consultancy Services
- Education
- Transportation
- Logistics
- Real Estate
- IT Services
- Financial Services
- Media and Advertising
- Legal Services
- And More!
Experience
Let MSZ Consultancy Help You with Your RAK Mainland Business
Whether you're searching for cost-effective ways to form your Mainland business or you need help handling the visa application process, MSZ Consultancy can help. We've helped small investors and large corporations alike handle their day-to-day operations so they can focus on what matters most.
We have experience handling licensing, renewals, visa applications, PRO services, and much more! Give your business a sturdy foundation for growth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do you have a question about starting a company in the UAE? We've answered some of the most frequently asked questions about what you can expect:
- LLC: Popular and flexible- limits your liability.
- Joint Venture: Share risks and profits with partners.
- Shareholding Company: Go public or keep it private with select shareholders.
- Free Zone Company or IBC: Enjoy 100% foreign ownership and tax benefits, even on the mainland.
Yes! From trading and manufacturing to IT, healthcare, and media- RAK Mainland supports a wide range of activities. Just make sure your license matches what you plan to do.
Usually 2-4 weeks for an LLC or trading license. Free Zone or IBC setups might take a bit longer due to extra paperwork.
Yes, most licenses require a registered office or warehouse. This becomes your official business address for all government communications.
Yes! Recent updates now allow full foreign ownership for most business types in RAK Mainland- no local partner needed.
No personal income tax. Low corporate costs and full profit repatriation. Some corporate tax may apply depending on your industry- let’s talk to make sure you’re set up right.
Absolutely! We’ve been helping entrepreneurs like you for over 15 years. We handle everything- from choosing the right structure and getting licenses to finding office space and dealing with government approvals. Let’s make your business setup smooth and stress-free.